Nepal win hearts but they search for cash

Nepal have won hearts and minds and a legion of new fans at the World T20. But that alone won't help them in trying to become more competitive on a consistent basis. The need for better infrastructure, in particular more pitches, is one that can only be solved through increased financial support and, despite impressive displays during the qualifying round, the immediate boost to the Cricket Association of Nepal's bank balance will be negligible.

Nepal could still reach the second round but they require Bangladesh to take a swan dive from their perch on top of Group A. While a victory in the Super 10 stage would be worth US$40,000, there is no prize money on offer before then. Qualifying for the World T20 would have improved Nepal's "scorecard" - the means by which their ICC funding is determined - as well as providing them with valuable exposure but it has not presented CAN with a pot of gold.

Like Afghanistan, their final opponents who have been given support by the PCB, Nepal require as much assistance as they can get. Sharad Vesawkar, one of a core of talented home-grown players, said the team were basically "amateurs" and, despite their popularity back home, there are significant challenges in trying to spread the game to more inaccessible parts of the country. But it does make the sense of achievement all the more powerful.

"We're all born and brought up in Nepal and know each other very well, having played together from age-group cricket," Vesawkar said. "Unlike some other teams we don't have any expats playing for us. That ensures that we have very good team spirit. We're Nepali and proud to play for Nepal. We're amateur cricketers with limited facilities, so to be able to come here and give our best is something to be proud of."

Touring other countries and gaining experience of the conditions is also difficult for the Associates nations, although the ICC do arrange tournaments all around the world. Nepal, in their first match against a Test side, were not embarrassed by a pumped-up Bangladesh on Tuesday, although Vesawkar said the team were "not used to these kind of conditions". The extra pace and bounce in Chittagong has required some adjusting to but they will face no respite against Afghanistan, a team who have had the wood over them in recent years.

"We always like to play against Afghanistan," he said. "In 2008 we were neck and neck, but they suddenly rose to the occasion and we were left behind a little bit. We tried to catch up and hopefully we can do well against them. We are good friends off the field. We play hard on the field, but when we meet at the hotel we're in each other's rooms all the time. We're just playing at the higher level together now. We know them, how they play, and it's the same for them."

The Associate nations rubbing along together in the shadows of the game may be good for camaraderie but it ought to be possible to provide more tangible reward.

I wish and I hope BCCI would help in preparing a start for Nepal cricket at international level. They have their coffers overflowing - I am certain they can help in getting a stadium prepared in Nepal. One or two exhibiltion match with Indian team (even if India A team) won't hurt any one either.

Dummy4
on March 22, 2014, 8:01 GMT

same as pakistan helping afgans..india shud also help us..

Dummy4
on March 21, 2014, 4:25 GMT

Feels good to hear appreciation for the hard work our team Nepal has done and showcased an excellent game of cricket despite the lack of resources they played with. It was all possible due to sheer dedication and passion of players. Hats off to them.
Also, thank you all for your positive and inspiring comments.
And further, I strongly urge the ICC authorities to take a larger initiation to help develop the infrastructure and quality resources in Nepal. Your small help can let the whole world enjoy a good game of cricket from emerging nations like us and also, more the countries and people gets involved, more stronger the community as a whole would be; the community of international cricket.

Gyanesh
on March 20, 2014, 18:33 GMT

ICC should change their super 10 selection process... coz the team like Nepal can not showcase their talent though proved a lot n have won hearts and minds of millions..... there is really less hope now but no worries best wishes n gud luck for next wct20 hard work pays off ... just CAN needs to invest more on the technical aspects of the team...

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 14:48 GMT

icc has to help us to do that we can do miracle:)

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 14:37 GMT

Pakistan always supported Afghanistan. They played allot of cricket in Pakistan specially Peshawar city. Afghanistan should hire batting coach from Pakistan as both countries have very much similarities in culture and ethnicity.
Being a Pakistani and strong fan of Afghanistan i want to see Afghanistan as a emerging star of cricket

Rashmi
on March 20, 2014, 14:03 GMT

Nepal... You all will get the Financial Support from India soon... India never leaves anyone who are willing to support them... Nepal, Now that U have shown ur potential, India will make sure that your future is bright.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 13:47 GMT

love you nepalese team.rocking performances.showing great potential.icc and other stronger cricket board should now really start taking nepalese cricket into consideration.they are talented young bunch of cricketers and i wish them best of luck for future. FROM A NEPALI

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 13:30 GMT

we are very close to India and BCCI but never listened nor liked. So, can this qualifying for turning point of Nepali Cricket Team!Cheer up Indian Fans!We were always with you and now want to go together with you...

ESPN
on March 20, 2014, 13:27 GMT

Infact,Nepal deserved to win this match.

Dummy4
on March 23, 2014, 11:13 GMT

I wish and I hope BCCI would help in preparing a start for Nepal cricket at international level. They have their coffers overflowing - I am certain they can help in getting a stadium prepared in Nepal. One or two exhibiltion match with Indian team (even if India A team) won't hurt any one either.

Dummy4
on March 22, 2014, 8:01 GMT

same as pakistan helping afgans..india shud also help us..

Dummy4
on March 21, 2014, 4:25 GMT

Feels good to hear appreciation for the hard work our team Nepal has done and showcased an excellent game of cricket despite the lack of resources they played with. It was all possible due to sheer dedication and passion of players. Hats off to them.
Also, thank you all for your positive and inspiring comments.
And further, I strongly urge the ICC authorities to take a larger initiation to help develop the infrastructure and quality resources in Nepal. Your small help can let the whole world enjoy a good game of cricket from emerging nations like us and also, more the countries and people gets involved, more stronger the community as a whole would be; the community of international cricket.

Gyanesh
on March 20, 2014, 18:33 GMT

ICC should change their super 10 selection process... coz the team like Nepal can not showcase their talent though proved a lot n have won hearts and minds of millions..... there is really less hope now but no worries best wishes n gud luck for next wct20 hard work pays off ... just CAN needs to invest more on the technical aspects of the team...

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 14:48 GMT

icc has to help us to do that we can do miracle:)

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 14:37 GMT

Pakistan always supported Afghanistan. They played allot of cricket in Pakistan specially Peshawar city. Afghanistan should hire batting coach from Pakistan as both countries have very much similarities in culture and ethnicity.
Being a Pakistani and strong fan of Afghanistan i want to see Afghanistan as a emerging star of cricket

Rashmi
on March 20, 2014, 14:03 GMT

Nepal... You all will get the Financial Support from India soon... India never leaves anyone who are willing to support them... Nepal, Now that U have shown ur potential, India will make sure that your future is bright.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 13:47 GMT

love you nepalese team.rocking performances.showing great potential.icc and other stronger cricket board should now really start taking nepalese cricket into consideration.they are talented young bunch of cricketers and i wish them best of luck for future. FROM A NEPALI

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 13:30 GMT

we are very close to India and BCCI but never listened nor liked. So, can this qualifying for turning point of Nepali Cricket Team!Cheer up Indian Fans!We were always with you and now want to go together with you...

ESPN
on March 20, 2014, 13:27 GMT

Infact,Nepal deserved to win this match.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 13:26 GMT

My club (Sileby Town in England) had Shakti Gauchan as our overseas player for part of a season some years back - it's been brilliant to see him on the world stage but such a shame that the game in Nepal is being stunted by lack of funding from ICC.

Fahmim
on March 20, 2014, 13:23 GMT

I think if no one else, Bangladesh should do more to support Nepal's cricket. I know they can't do much, but maybe invite the side to play every once in a while, sign some of their players for our domestic leagues, and maybe send in coaches and other experts to help their cricket. In so many ways, we Bangladeshis can see our old days in Nepal ... the passion is there, the public's undying love for the game is there ... all they need is a little bit of backing, and I believe Nepal can do great -- at least in limited-overs cricket -- in a few years.

This is atrocious from ICC to conduct qualifying matches for associate teams and top 2 enters main draw.. They are here to prove n show their talent and by doing this they stopping to showcase their worth..Huge disappointment move from ICC to conduct such a worthless matches.

Himmat
on March 20, 2014, 13:02 GMT

Australia should consider helping Nepalese cricket grow......they have a fantastic facilities for players to improve and grow.......come on u Aussies.....help Nepalese cricket !!!

kedar
on March 20, 2014, 13:01 GMT

Dear Nepalese,
Congratulations for your win.

Android
on March 20, 2014, 13:00 GMT

i think we can send our A team over there or our under 19 team or even a club team. And also invite them to play in our country so they become use to the international condition.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 12:44 GMT

NEPAL WON BY 9 RUN
World T20, 9th Match, First Round Group A: Afghanistan v Nepal at Chittagong, Mar 20, 2014

ESPN
on March 20, 2014, 11:02 GMT

They have done great....we are proud of them..

Zaid
on March 20, 2014, 10:37 GMT

BCB should help Nepal cricket by arranging bilateral series regularly & allowing Nepalese players in BPL....we do not have huge money but still we can share our facilities with our Nepalese brothers...Love from Bangladesh

Atul
on March 20, 2014, 10:20 GMT

Good Team and they really need support. ICC or BCCI offer them some help to get better.
Even Afganistan also doing good. They also need the same kind of support.

maruf
on March 20, 2014, 9:09 GMT

icc, should do support Nepal.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 8:26 GMT

If ICC supports to prepare at least one new international cricket ground in Nepal it will be a neutral venue for India and Pakistan to play here and Nepalese cricket players will also be benefited in addition to the existing one.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 8:18 GMT

i have the chance to watch the match against Bangladesh they played really well.they didn't play too many false shot as Bangladeshi players did in their starting period.i m very much hopeful about the progress of Nepal team

Pawan
on March 20, 2014, 8:16 GMT

Nepal is emerging like a star and they have capability of playing test cricket so far. The time will prove these all. Nepal doesn't include any expats in the team so they have a excellent team spirit too. We are proud to these players whatever they have achieved in the recent time without any good cricketing infrastructure and support from any other test cricket playing nation even from ICC enough.
Come on NEPAL.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 6:37 GMT

We are Nepalese not Nepalis..

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 6:27 GMT

To be honest, BCCI never showed interest in promoting Nepali Cricket. As Srilankan Cricket Board is extending their support towards us, BCCI should also extend their supporting hand my giving a chance in IPL or other domestic league. We are rising power and need hand of support from our neighbour. #JayNepal

udendra
on March 20, 2014, 6:23 GMT

although termed a "big three", BCCI is the least concerned entity to support associate cricket. They are only worried about the revenue they get.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 6:08 GMT

Nepal is the emerging country among the associates, we need technical and economical help especially from neighboring countries may be board of India,Pakistan or even Srilanka, in addition to that we need exposure to the world which will be able to play us on bouncy tracks which would also enable us to cope with dew factors during the day night match. In Nepal we dont have facilities to play under light..........so going in other countries would help.....definitely some player have shown their talent like Paras Khadka, Gyanendra Malla, Basant Regmi and Shakti Gauchan they could be included in IPL or even Bangladeshi League....they could perform there as well as they are born to play.

Android
on March 20, 2014, 5:38 GMT

ICC should look to Nepal.

Ramesh
on March 20, 2014, 5:20 GMT

Cricket is our culture. Beyond the very limited resource, the performance, that Nepal has shown to the world is tremendous. Players have worked hard on their own to boost up their talent. Reaching T20 world cup was a dream for us and we did it. The world has known about us and our cricket. If there are bodies to promote cricket around the globe, they have to think about the associate nations like Nepal who played excessively well in this tournament. Apparently, its all about cricket and promoting cricket no matter it belongs to which country, race or economy.

Adrian
on March 20, 2014, 5:20 GMT

Nepal shares a border with India. If they are good enough, they could be allowed to play in the Ranji Trophy perhaps? Or, like Afghanistan, actually be financially supported by a test team - in this case logically it should be India. But only if India think it is worth the investment. Nepal do seem to have a lot of support from people in their country, unlike the similarly ranked Netherlands or Canada.

Dave
on March 20, 2014, 4:33 GMT

True that there's an opportunity for BCCI to be involved - but the ICC should also step up for all the associates who've reached this stage. This week is the highlight of the T20 world cup for me, to see these guys playing.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 4:25 GMT

Pakistan must support Nepal cricket.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 4:03 GMT

BCCI needs to support to nepal team...as they are closest & dearest neighbours of india

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 3:23 GMT

well said SHARAD!!
we need technical n economic support from BCCI to show the world that south asia have another country of cricket talent. So does ICC n ACC .... Srilankan Cricket Board is supporting for more than a decade.

PAVAN
on March 20, 2014, 2:29 GMT

India supports Nepali cricket and its time to support them financially. BCCI if you are reading, you have to help provide Nepal with much needed infrastructure and training facilities. I have seen Malla, Paras, Shakti play and they deserve an inclusion in next IPL8 may be and India should continue to support Afghanistan too.

Andrew
on March 20, 2014, 2:26 GMT

I am going for Afghanistan - but I really hope that Nepal secures more funding - they deserve it. "...Unlike some other teams we don't have any expats playing for us...." - nice little dig by Vesawkar! It is true, even Afghanistan has some question marks over their players origins (minor), & Ireland can sometimes push the boundaries. Netherlands & HK rely heavily on importing talent. So IMO - Nepal needs to be looked at further.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2014, 23:10 GMT

Nepal have 4 quality players: Paras Khadka, Gyanendra Malla, Basant Regmi and Shakti Gauchan. They must be worth a spot in a Bangladesh Premier League team, or the Dhaka league. Some of their youngsters such as Subash Khakurel, Sagar Pun and Sompal Kami have good potential as well. Really hope to see them progress further up the world rankings over the next few years. Shame that UAE qualified ahead of them for next year's 50 over World Cup, as this bunch of talented youngsters and their passionate fans has a lot more to offer the world game than an ageing, unfit bunch of Pakistani and Indian expats.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2014, 23:08 GMT

It is very nice to see other countries producing good cricketers, ICC should give them full support.

Sid
on March 19, 2014, 19:39 GMT

I think BCCI can support Nepal to develop infrastructure and promote sports which 1billion likes to watch.

Jay
on March 19, 2014, 19:10 GMT

This is where I have a problem with the BCCI. Being Nepal's closest neighbours, how come we don't do anything to develop their cricket ? I mean, Nepal team can be invited to participate in our domestic ODI and T20 tournaments against state teams. It will give them tremendous exposure and experience. Since Nepali people don't need visas to travel to India, they can also play for our Ranji state teams in 4 day cricket. So many possibilities IF the BCCI put their minds to it. The BCCI is the most POWERFUL board on Earth. Nepali cricket would be boosted to seventh heaven if they get funding support from India. Come on BCCI, let's make it happen.

sandip
on March 19, 2014, 18:33 GMT

To be Honest ICC should Distribute few % of Ticket price of their matches

No featured comments at the moment.

sandip
on March 19, 2014, 18:33 GMT

To be Honest ICC should Distribute few % of Ticket price of their matches

Jay
on March 19, 2014, 19:10 GMT

This is where I have a problem with the BCCI. Being Nepal's closest neighbours, how come we don't do anything to develop their cricket ? I mean, Nepal team can be invited to participate in our domestic ODI and T20 tournaments against state teams. It will give them tremendous exposure and experience. Since Nepali people don't need visas to travel to India, they can also play for our Ranji state teams in 4 day cricket. So many possibilities IF the BCCI put their minds to it. The BCCI is the most POWERFUL board on Earth. Nepali cricket would be boosted to seventh heaven if they get funding support from India. Come on BCCI, let's make it happen.

Sid
on March 19, 2014, 19:39 GMT

I think BCCI can support Nepal to develop infrastructure and promote sports which 1billion likes to watch.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2014, 23:08 GMT

It is very nice to see other countries producing good cricketers, ICC should give them full support.

Dummy4
on March 19, 2014, 23:10 GMT

Nepal have 4 quality players: Paras Khadka, Gyanendra Malla, Basant Regmi and Shakti Gauchan. They must be worth a spot in a Bangladesh Premier League team, or the Dhaka league. Some of their youngsters such as Subash Khakurel, Sagar Pun and Sompal Kami have good potential as well. Really hope to see them progress further up the world rankings over the next few years. Shame that UAE qualified ahead of them for next year's 50 over World Cup, as this bunch of talented youngsters and their passionate fans has a lot more to offer the world game than an ageing, unfit bunch of Pakistani and Indian expats.

Andrew
on March 20, 2014, 2:26 GMT

I am going for Afghanistan - but I really hope that Nepal secures more funding - they deserve it. "...Unlike some other teams we don't have any expats playing for us...." - nice little dig by Vesawkar! It is true, even Afghanistan has some question marks over their players origins (minor), & Ireland can sometimes push the boundaries. Netherlands & HK rely heavily on importing talent. So IMO - Nepal needs to be looked at further.

PAVAN
on March 20, 2014, 2:29 GMT

India supports Nepali cricket and its time to support them financially. BCCI if you are reading, you have to help provide Nepal with much needed infrastructure and training facilities. I have seen Malla, Paras, Shakti play and they deserve an inclusion in next IPL8 may be and India should continue to support Afghanistan too.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 3:23 GMT

well said SHARAD!!
we need technical n economic support from BCCI to show the world that south asia have another country of cricket talent. So does ICC n ACC .... Srilankan Cricket Board is supporting for more than a decade.

Dummy4
on March 20, 2014, 4:03 GMT

BCCI needs to support to nepal team...as they are closest & dearest neighbours of india

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